Photodynamic Therapy

Skin lesions can be harmless or they can pose a severe medical concern. Either way, you may have a desire to get rid of them. Not only will your complexion improve but also you’re taking crucial steps to improve the health of your skin and body.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that removes blemishes and lesions from the skin. For cosmetic purposes, PDT effectively treats acne but it can also be used to treat a superficial form of skin cancer known as actinic keratoses.

The treatment is beneficial due to its minimally invasive nature. Rather than undergo surgery or experience discomfort, PDT involves only the application of a photosensitising molecule and specialised light.

What’s Involved?

PDT is performed at Bayside Cosmetic Medicine Clinic as an outpatient procedure and takes place in steps. In order for the light therapy to adequately penetrate the skin and create a reaction, a light sensitising substance must be applied.

The substance is left to incubate within the skin which could take anywhere from minutes to days, depending on your body’s response system. Cancerous cells and scar tissue absorb the photosensitising agent which is then exposed to a particular wavelength of light that activates the medication within the cells. It’s due to the application of light that the treatment is also known as blue light therapy.

Once exposed, the cells will collapse and die. It’s also possible for the blood vessels that feed cancer cells to be eliminated through the procedure. With the technology that is currently available, PDT is capable of penetrating 1/3 of an inch deep within the skin. Lesions and tumours that are close to the skin’s surface have a greater chance of being destroyed.

What Are the Benefits of PDT?

In some patients, PDT has proven to be just as effective as surgery or radiation when eliminating superficial cancerous tumours. It’s also one of the most noninvasive cancer treatments available.

When conducted by a skilled and qualified professional, PDT will produce no side effects and only take a few moments to complete once the skin cells have absorbed the photosensitising agent. Patients at Bayside Cosmetic Medicine Clinic simply arrive for treatment in our office and return home the same day.

PDT is also gentle enough to be applied to the same treatment site on multiple occasions. Whereas radiation may begin to irritate and decompose healthy tissues in an attempt to treat cancer, PDT will not harm surrounding skin and can be performed until there is no sign of cancer or scar tissue.

Is PDT Right for You?

Before receiving PDT, it’s important to get a skin survey that diagnoses the condition you are facing. Dr. Behan can identify actinic keratoses through a careful and precise examination of your skin and recommend the best method of treatment based on your current health status and medical history.

During your consult, you will learn more about PDT and how it can benefit your skin and life. If the treatment appears to be a viable option, you can schedule your first treatment session. To receive a skin survey and get started on your treatment, call Bayside Cosmetic Medicine Clinic on (07) 3667 8970 today.

Meet Mary Ellen, one of the most experienced laser operators in Queensland . Add to this the fact that BCMC is the only clinic in the Redlands to offer the superior Excel V laser for the removal of vessels, redness and pigment and you have a sweet combo.

In addition Mary Ellen offers the emerge laser , a laser with minimal downtime or discomfort that keeps the dermis luscious and vigilantly keeps the signs of ageing away.

Mary Ellen is a regular attendee at laser conferences and has been the trainer and supervisor for many other Queensland Laser operators. BCMC is proud to offer Mary Ellen’s skills and expertise.

Dr Shadi

Dr.Shadi is a Board Certified cosmetic physician by American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. She is a believer in restoring everyone’s unique natural beauty and enhance it. So she offers a customised treatment plan based on each individual full aesthetic assessment and design a short and long term plan that enables her patients to go on a journey of rejuvenation with her to be always the best version of themselves.

She currently is a Medical Cosmetic Registrar of Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery, she also passed the Dermatology Diploma by Australian Institute of Dermatology and Diploma of Aesthetic Medicine by American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine

Dr Gertrude Behan (MBBS)

Dr Gertrude Behan originally a GP, is a Cosmetic Clinician who lives locally and understands the damage that can be done to the skin by the sun. She has an interest in products that can protect our skin and is always researching newly released products and treatments.

During your initial consultation Dr Behan suggests you do a skin survey to see what skin type you are and which skin products will suit your skin. She will work with you to devise an individual plan which will address and treat your concerns and your budget. Dr Behan encourages all patients to attend a follow up consultation after treatment to discuss how they feel about the results achieved.

We all want to look good but sometimes the stories we hear from others about the pain can be off putting. Dr Behan uses many techniques to reduce the discomfort of a procedure and is attentive to clients throughout the enhancement process. She attends national clinical meetings and is dedicated to professional development. Dr Behan stays up to date with all aspects of cosmetic medicine and has a special interest in anti-ageing and management of acne.

Dr Behan also runs the skin spot clinic for skin cancer surveillance on a Monday.

Doctor Referral

ARE YOU A REFERRING DOCTOR?

Click the link below to download our referral letter. The completed form can be emailed to [email protected].